I just set my new Imac. Do I need to download a virus protection device? If so is mackeeper a wise choice. Thanks

You don't need virus protection, and don't waste your $$ on MacKeeper.

...JER

When I got my mac I was referred here: http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/ for information about malware and viruses. It helped me a lot to understand these issues. And paying attention to what is happening regarding trojans etc will keep you safe. Remember to never download or install anything you didn't look for.

laverne's mom

MacKeeper is slimeware.

If you wish to run antivirus software on your Mac ClamXAV is one of the better ones and it's free. http://www.clamxav.com/

There are, as yet, no viruses for the Mac (using the strict definition of a virus). There are however a few trojans, one in particular which is being rapidly evolved as Apple play chase to quarantine it.

Use Software Update to check whether your new iMac needs the 2011-003 security update, which updates the Mac's inbuilt malware quarantine definitions.

MacKeeper (the legitimate one) is a pretty shoddy product and cannot be recommended. Add to that the fact that the aforementioned trojan has masqueraded as MacKeeper previously (along with MacDefender, MacProtector, MacGuard and now MacShield, not to mention Apple Security Center and Yahoo Security Center), being sure you'd installed the right one might be problematic.

If you want to assuage your fears, ClamX AV is free and well regarded and doesn't hog system resources as many others do. You still need to keep the definitions up to date of course.

At this point using an antivirus on a Mac will make it to where you don't send a virus via email to a Window user.

Dear Michael, congratulations on getting a Mac. I have had Macs now for 15 years and have never had a virus (touch wood), however i do share files with collegues who have PC's, so i do use an anti-virus programme. i use the Sophos Home version (http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx). It is i suspect no better or worse than any other AV programme, but it is free. So as an answer to your question; no I don't think you need an AV application at the moment, but it may be a good idea to get one, just don't pay too much.

bw

Andrew

Do not install MacKeeper. It's malware.....

Keep in mind, it's making it's way around the net using aliases. MacDefender / MacProtector / MacGuard / MacShield.. and so on.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection <--- SL only

How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware <---- for Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.5

Security Update 2011-003 (Snow Leopard) <--- improves security

http://www.fixkb.com/2011/05/remove-mac-protector.html

http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/02/new-macdefender-malware-threat-for-mac-os-x/

And read here. http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/

Never accept unsolicited offers from the internet.

MacKeeper help: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2786697?answerId=15253258022#15253258022

See the post by: iVmichael

But, there is a "legitimate" MacKeeper, which, sometimes, the Trojan is masquerading as. However, the "legitimate" one is garbage and uses unscrupulous advertising.

That may be but how would one know which one they are downloading? Legit or malware? Why take that chance?

The OP has a brand new iMac. I'd love for him to enjoy it !

I'm not saying to take a chance on either! I thought I made it clear: one is an outright scam, the other is garbage.

Hi,

In response to your question perhaps this link to an Apple article will offer some insight.

Bottom line from my point of view "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650